Grammy on the Go
By Karen Shadrach
As twilight settles over the zoo, something magical begins to stir. Gone are the midday crowds and sleepy animals hiding from the summer sun. In their place, an ethereal glow lights the paths, casting the zoo in colors straight out of a dream. The Asian Lantern Festival has returned — and there may be no better way to experience it than together with your grandchild.
Now in its eighth year, the Asian Lantern Festival at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo runs from July 5 to Aug. 24 in 2025. It has become one of Northeast Ohio’s favorite summer traditions. New lanterns are added each year with larger and more colorful displays. In previous years, a time extension had been offered into early-mid September.
This festival is set up as a leisurely walk—perfect for little legs and grandparents alike. Stroller-friendly paths, frequent benches, and snack stations make it a comfortable outing for all generations. If you go early in the evening, you will beat the biggest crowds and still catch the full effect of the lanterns as the sun sets. If you don’t feel like walking, there are select evening-time entry required that allow you to drive your car through the zoo.
Tickets for walk-through are priced at $24 for zoo members and $27 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased in advance at FutureForWildlive.org/lanterns or at the zoo’s box office on the day of the event, though prices may be higher for same-day purchase. Drive-through tickets (per vehicle) are $48 for members and $58 for non-members. The festival runs from 6:30-10:30 p.m.
We always try to arrive early and start our trek by watching the live Chinese performances, which are offered hourly on the Fifth Third Bank Stage. The grandkids love watching them spin and balance their many plates. The festival offers a gentle, engaging way to introduce your grandkids to Asian cultures. You will experience cultural performances like Chinese acrobatics, martial arts demonstrations and traditional music. It’s not just entertaining; it offers a chance to talk about different countries, traditions and art forms in a way kids can relate to.
We then head down past the elephants to sample some Chinese food. The MetroHealth Asian Food Market features local vendors offering dumplings, potstickers, sushi, poke bowls, ramen and bubble tea.
Now, it is dusk, and the lanterns are lit. As you step onto the lantern-lit path, you are transported to a dreamlike world of glowing pandas, mythical dragons and blooming lotus flowers. Your grandkids will be mesmerized by the vibrant colors and moving parts—many lanterns light up, animate or play music. It’s like walking through a storybook brought to life, sparking both awe and curiosity. Children see wonder in places adults often overlook. Nowhere is that more apparent than under the soft illumination of silk-covered lanterns shaped like dragons, tigers, koi fish and fantastical creatures. With every corner turned, your grandchild’s eyes grow wide, the bright lanterns reflected in their awe-struck gaze. It’s not just a walk through the zoo — it’s a walk through imagination.
This year’s festival will feature over 70 large-scale illuminated displays including a 100-foot-long ice and fire dragon and a four-story hydrangea and butterfly tree. There will also be themed areas such as Animals of the Nile which are interactive zones, ocean creatures and walk-through tunnels. The zoo’s Dragons Landing zone (which usually has an additional cost for entry) is included in the festival. There are dozens of illuminated dragons including the one described above.
This festival transforms the familiar zoo surroundings. The enclosures and pathways become a glowing garden of light and culture. For a child, it is enchantment. For a grandparent, it is a rare chance to see the world through fresh eyes again while spending quality time with your grandchild.
Photos courtesy of Karen Shadrach
